Stockton’s Arc has launched its theatre and dance spring season

ARC Stockton’s spring 2017 theatre and dance programme launches today when local disabled playwright Vici Wreford Sinnott brings her play Butterfly to the stage.

The new programme will take in 20 performances written and performed by individuals and companies from across the UK and beyond, with some home-grown talent playing a part too.

Vici Wreford Sinnott’s Butterfly opens the season on Thursday, January 26. The Saltburn-based disabled artist, theatre director, and Creative Lead for Arc’s Cultural Shift programme, wrote the play to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental health.

Teesside born dance artist Nathan Johnston, who originates from Grove Hill in Middlesbrough, brought his first full dance production to the stage at Arc last year which sold out completely. After the success of Sleight of Hands, he will be bringing The Band to the stage on Wednesday, March 29 – a show about a fame hungry one-hit-wonder singer who makes a big comeback.

Putting the Band Back Together on Wednesday, February 1, is a show that is going to do just that. It has been partly devised and performed by Middlesbrough-born Maria Crocker and features Ross Millard of Sunderland band The Futureheads, who will be providing the musical expertise. It is about shower sing-alongs and dust gathering instruments that lie dormant in homes across the country. It is also for anyone who just loves music. There is a chance to take part in a small live musical performance during the show and no previous experience is required. Email band@unfoldingtheatre.co.uk if you are interested in taking part.

Partus is a show about the everyday miracle of birth on Tuesday, February 28 and there is a parent and baby friendly performance on Wednesday, March 1.

Quarter Life Crisis is one for the millennials. It is about big dreams for 16 to 30 year olds, letting go of your young person’s railcard, zero hour contracts, Youtube tutorials and social media induced stress.

Levantes Dance Theatre will be popping up in Stockton town centre to perform their free walkabout show, Canape Art, to passers-by on Saturday, March 4. The unique pop up explores everyday life with some peculiar twists and stunning visuals that will trigger smiles and happiness all day.

To find out more about all of Arc’s upcoming theatre and dance performances, visit Arconline.co.uk. Tickets can be booked online or by calling the Box Office on 01642-525199.

All performances in the season are priced on Arc’s innovative Pay What You Decide pricing policy, meaning you literally pay what you wish. Most of the performances in the season will be BSL interpreted as part of the venue’s commitment to making art accessible to everyone.